SEKATEN

Sekaten

On the territory of the Municipality of Yogyakarta, there are ceremonies called Sekaten or better known as the Night Market Celebration Sekaten since before the ceremony held Sekaten market activity during the first night of the full moon. The tradition since the time of the kingdom of Demak (16th century) is held once a year in Maulud, three months into the year of Java, with a shot in the courtyard or North Square Kraton Ngayogyakarta.
The origin of the term Sekaten developed in several versions. Some argue that the word comes from Sekaten Sekati, the names of the two devices in the form of gamelan heritage palace called Kanjeng Kyai Sekati that sounded in a series of commemorations Maulud Prophet Muhammad. But others argue that Sekaten comes from the love and ati (happy, happy) because people Maulud greet the day with gratitude and happiness in the celebration of the night market in North Square.
But others argue that the word is derived from the syahadataini Sekaten, two sentences in the Islamic Creed, the creed taukhid (Asyhadu alla ila-ha-ilallah) which means "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah" and the apostles creed (Waasyhadu anna Muhammadarrosululloh) meaning "I testify that Muhammad messenger of Allah".
Ceremony Sekaten regarded as a blend of Islamic da'wah activities and art. At the beginning of the spread of Islam in Java, one of the Wali Songo, Sunan Kalijaga ie, using musical arts (Javanese gamelan) to entice the public to come to enjoy his musical performance by using two sets of gamelan Kanjeng Kyai Sekati. In between performances, done preaching and reading verses from the Koran. For those who are determined to convert to Islam, required to utter the shahada, the statement obedient to the teachings of Islam.
Among the people of Yogyakarta and surrounding areas is commonly believed that by celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, which concerned will get a reward from the Supreme Court, and was awarded young. As a condition, they must chew betel nut in the courtyard of the Great Mosque of Yogyakarta, especially on the first day of the commencement celebration Sekaten. Therefore, during the celebrations, with many people selling betel concoction, savory rice and side-pauknya Kemandungan page, in North Square or in front of the Great Mosque of Yogyakarta. For farmers, this occasion is also asking that the upcoming crops successfully. To strengthen this determination, they bought the whip to take home.
Before the ceremony held Sekaten, held two kinds of preparations, namely physical and spiritual preparation. Physical preparation in the form of equipment and supplies Sekaten ceremony, the Gamelan Sekaten, Gendhing Sekaten, a coin, a flower Kanthil, Sekaten uniform fashion, samir for musicians, and other supplies, as well as a history text Maulud Prophet Muhammad.